An accused in a child sexual abuse case escaped from police custody in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district after allegedly taking advantage of police personnel who had fallen asleep while on duty. The incident has triggered a multi-state manhunt, with police teams searching for the accused in Karnataka as well as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. CCTV footage purportedly showing the man fleeing the premises has also surfaced.

The accused, identified as Manjunath, had been arrested about a week ago in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was being held at a police station in Kalaburagi district while the investigation continued. According to police, the escape occurred during the night when the accused allegedly found an opportunity to leave the lock-up area.

Police suspect that Manjunath noticed personnel inside the station sleeping while on duty and used the opportunity to escape. He allegedly fled by jumping from the second floor of the police station building. Authorities are examining the exact sequence of events to determine how he managed to leave custody without being stopped and whether security procedures were properly followed.

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CCTV visuals recorded at around 3 am on Thursday have reportedly captured the accused while he was fleeing the area. Investigators are reviewing footage from cameras near the police station and surrounding locations to trace his movements after the escape. Police are also gathering information about possible routes and locations where he may have sought shelter.

Following the incident, search teams were formed to track down and rearrest the accused. Police operations have been extended beyond Karnataka, with teams conducting searches in parts of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Authorities are also expected to examine whether the accused received assistance from anyone after escaping from the police station.

A further investigation is underway into both the escape and the circumstances that allowed it to happen. Officials are likely to review the conduct of personnel who were on duty at the time and determine whether negligence contributed to the incident. The search for Manjunath remains ongoing as police continue efforts to locate and return him to custody.

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